! SKILLSHOT !

Cactus Canyon (Bally, 1998)

Released by Bally in 1998, Cactus Canyon was the last traditional pinball machine produced by Williams/Bally before the company shifted away from pinball entirely. Designed by Matt Coriale and Tom Kopera, the game offers a comedic and cartoonish take on the Wild West, filled with outlaws, saloons, shootouts, and train robberies. Its lighthearted theme and unique gameplay earned it a strong cult following.

The playfield is packed with interactive features including a moving train, mechanical mine entrance and pop-up bandits. Players take on the role of sheriff and complete various objectives such as capturing outlaws, saving damsels in distress, and battling gunslingers, all leading toward an action-packed final showdown.

Artwork by John Youssi reflects a bright and exaggerated Western style, full of animated characters and humorous details. The game also features lively voice acting and sound effects that reinforce the comic tone, making each mode feel like a scene from a slapstick western film. The cohesive theme and gameplay create a fun, narrative-driven experience.

Despite its creative promise, only 903 units of Cactus Canyon were produced due to the company’s sudden exit from pinball manufacturing. The original software was never fully completed, which left some features unfinished. However, modern remakes and code revisions have since expanded the game to its originally intended scope.

Cactus Canyon stands as both a charming western adventure and a symbol of what could have been had its development continued. Its rarity and revised versions have only increased its appeal, making it a prized piece among collectors and a standout in pinball history.